• Cat food can provide health benefits, such as hairball, allergy and tartar control.cat image by tnk333 from Fotolia.com
  
  Cats require different nutrients and have changing needs as they grow. Tartar and hairball control can be very important as cats grow older, and most dry food can help achieve this. The hydration from eating canned food can help cats of all ages, so canned food should be a part of a cat's diet as well. Cats with certain health conditions, such as allergies, may require homemade cat foods for health benefits.
  
  

Dry Food

• Dry cat food, or kibble, is a commonly used type of food for cats. Dry food works well to clean the teeth and gums of cats, so this is a good option for cats with tartar buildup. This food is available for different stages and needs, such as kitten, adult, senior and weight control. Some varieties are even formulated to prevent hairballs. A variety of flavors are available, from chicken to fish, and owners can even choose organic or oven-roasted kibble.
  
  

Canned Food

• Canned cat food comes in a variety of flavors, such as chicken, beef, salmon, lamb and even some seasonal flavors such as turkey dinner. Canned food contains a large amount of water, so owners should keep that in mind when measuring portions for cats. A combination of wet and dry cat food can give cats the benefits of tartar control from kibble along with hydration from wet food.
  
  

Homemade Cat Food

• Some owners choose to home cook food for their cats. This can be a difficult way to ensure that cats are getting all of the necessary nutrients needed, unless owners are guided by a veterinarian. Owners that choose to make their own cat food may feel comfort in knowing everything that the cat is eating. Home cooked cat food can be beneficial to cats that have allergies or certain diseases.